About us
A Community of Practice for Modern Life
What does it mean to be a fully conscious and integrated human being in 2026? This group is devoted to creating a community of practitioners who can explore this question in meaningful and profound ways.
Events are designed to help cultivate inner and outer wisdom, strength and fulfillment. We are heavily influenced by Integral Theory, the most comprehensive mapping of the kosmos that we are aware of.
On the inner plane we introduce and support practices that cultivate profound levels of calm, peace, love and equanimity. Many of the practices are drawn from Buddhadharma and the Western Mysteries traditions, but we are not dogmatic or attached to labels. Whatever works is what we use.
On the outer plane, we explore the cutting edge of research-based understandings about how to act skillfully and compassionately in the world. From interpersonal models and practices to personal mastery frameworks, to somatic explorations, to systems-thinking approaches, we are committed to supporting all aspects of what it takes to be a well-rounded human being.
We are a part of the Namgyal lineage, a universalist teaching tradition that weaves together all these aspects of human knowledge and wisdom. Namgyal Rinpoche said it was a more profound endeavour "to become a work of art than to create a work of art."
Finally, the word ‘Collective’ is a nod to the power and necessity of doing the work with others. Whether you use the term ’sangha’, or ‘conscious community’, or simply ’supportive relationships’, the complexity of life in the 21st century necessitates more than ever an embracing of our interconnectedness.
Oh, and fun! Undertaking this work is life-changing, enriching and liberating, so it is going to involve challenge and discomfort at times. It’s important to inject as much joy and fun into the process as possible. Our events are also designed to be a spark of inspiration and newness into what can become rote, demanding lives in the city.
We hope to see you at one of our events to explore how we can support your growth and unfoldment.
Our Affiliations
The organizers are students of Catherine Pawasarat Sensei, lineage holder in the Namgyal lineage and co-founder of both Clear Sky Center and Planet Dharma. We regularly spend time at Clear Sky with our teacher for training and to participate in study and meditation retreats. We are also involved in the Integral Conference of North America (ICON) which takes place every two years in Denver, Colorado.
Upcoming events
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Buddhism 4.0 - Updating Spirituality for the Modern World
Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3J6, Canada, Calgary, AB, CAIt’s been over 2,500 years since the historical Buddha, and centuries since the last major "turning of the wheel" with the emergence of Vajrayana (Himalayan) Buddhism.
While the awakening experience itself remains timeless, the material and cultural world around us has evolved exponentially. Science, psychology, physics, and global culture have unlocked entirely new dimensions of human experience.
So, the big question is: Have our wisdom traditions kept up?
How does traditional Buddhism hold and incorporate modern insights like:
- Psychology: The psyche, shadow work, and unconscious conditioning
- Biology & Neuroscience: Neurotransmitters, brain states, and DNA
- Physics: Quantum mechanics and relativity
- Social Sciences: Cultural conditioning, systemic dynamics, and multiculturalism
In his seminal book The Religion of Tomorrow, philosopher Ken Wilber suggests a way forward. He proposes a framework for how Buddhism—and other great wisdom traditions—can "update their operating system." By supplementing traditional practices with modern maps, we don't destroy or alter core Buddhist truths; we simply expand the mandala to ensure these practices continue to serve the relief of suffering for all beings.
Who Is This Gathering For?
- Anyone looking for answers that weave together ancient wisdom and modern insights
- Anyone who identifies as spiritual, but is wary of dogma
- Longtime practitioners who feel traditional maps leave out key aspects of modern life
- Anyone curious about how wisdom traditions and modern science/psychology intersect
What to Expect
Come explore these updated spiritual maps, engage in meaningful discussion, and discover how integrating modern insights can enrich both your personal path and our collective awakening.Facilitator
Christopher Lawley has been practicing and training in the universalist Namgyal lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism and Western Mysteries for close to 2 decades with the Clear Sky Center sangha and Planet Dharma. Christopher is steeped in Integral Theory and uses it to inform his work with individuals, groups, and organizations. He is a trained coach and convener who designs and facilitates group processes using frameworks such as the Art of Hosting. Christopher is also on the organizing committee of the Integral Conference of North America (ICON).Dāna - The Practice of Generosity
Generosity (dāna) is a foundational part of our practice. While there is no set fee to attend, we invite you to participate in this cycle of giving and receiving. By offering what you can, you aren't just "paying for entry"—you are actively practicing dāna (generosity) and ensuring these resources remain available for the whole community. Please join us and give as your heart and situation allow.
Learn more about dāna (the Pali word for generosity) here.9 attendees
Past events
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